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Rock blasting is scheduled between May 4 and 7 in Serra das Araras, on Via Dutra, from 1 PM to 3 PM. Traffic in the São Paulo direction will be interrupted at km 225 during operations.
Works in Serra das Araras, on Via Dutra (BR-116), enter a new phase with rock blasting scheduled between May 4 and 7, 2026. The works, carried out by the CCR-Motiva concessionaire, occur daily between 1 PM and 3 PM and are part of the construction of new lanes in the section.
During this period, traffic in the São Paulo direction will be temporarily interrupted at km 225, while traffic in the Rio de Janeiro direction continues normally.
Project progress already exceeds halfway mark
The set of interventions in Serra das Araras has already exceeded 65% completion, according to the concessionaire.
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This progress was recorded in April 2026, marking about two months since the start of the most recent stages of the work.
The entire structure is expected to be finalized in 2027. Until then, delivery will be gradual, with partial releases planned throughout the schedule.
Among these stages is the completion of eight viaducts in the first half of 2026, out of a total of 14 planned for the uphill lane.
Works in Serra das Araras include new layout and lane expansion
The project foresees significant changes in the highway’s structure, with the construction of new lanes for both the uphill and downhill sections of the mountain.
Each direction will have four traffic lanes, expanding traffic capacity.
Additionally, other important structures are included:
- 24 viaducts along the section
- 3 pedestrian walkways
- 2 escape ramps aimed at trucker safety
- Shoulders and safety lanes
These interventions aim to improve fluidity and reduce risks in one of Via Dutra’s most critical points.
Blasting follows schedule with defined times
The blasting schedule was organized to occur at specific times of the day. Between Monday (4) and Thursday (7), the works always take place between 1 PM and 3 PM.
On Saturday (9), the service will be carried out at a different time, from 4 PM to 6 PM. This variation allows for increasing the pace of the works without completely compromising vehicle flow throughout the week.
During operations, the blockage is concentrated in the São Paulo direction, keeping the other lane operational.
Those currently passing through the highway can already observe the progress of the constructions. Parts of the new layout are visible, including segments of the future uphill and downhill lanes.
Each of these new lanes will be approximately 8 kilometers long, with an expanded structure to support a higher volume of vehicles.
The project also establishes a new speed limit of 80 km/h, a measure that seeks to improve safety and optimize travel time.
Guidelines during interdictions and works in Serra das Araras
With the changes in traffic, the concessionaire emphasizes the importance of attention from drivers using the section.
Among the recommendations are:
- Respect temporary signage
- Obey speed limits
- Avoid peak hours
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles
These measures help reduce risks during the execution of the works. The intervention is highlighted as one of the main road infrastructure projects currently underway in the country.
The stretch of Serra das Araras is a critical point on Via Dutra, with a large flow of vehicles and a history of operational challenges.
With the expansion and modernization, the expectation is to significantly improve traffic conditions, reducing congestion and increasing safety.
Despite temporary interdictions caused by detonations, the project aims to solve structural problems of the highway.
The completion of the works should bring lasting benefits for drivers and transporters, making the journey more efficient.
Source: último segundo
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